5 Of The Best Cities For Winter In Florida!

Are you looking for the best cities for winter in Florida? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

With warm days, plenty of outdoor adventures, and none of the bitter cold and snow flurries of the northern states, winter is a fabulous time of year to visit Florida.

Let’s dive into your guide to the 5 of the best Florida cities for a winter escape.

5 Of The Best Cities To Visit For Winter In Florida

1. Destin, Florida

Destin, in the Florida panhandle, is a great place to enjoy the Sunshine State’s winters. 

Thanks to the mild temperatures, you can enjoy amazing fishing, sugar-white beaches, and luxurious resorts in only a light jacket.

Weather In Destin In The Winter

Skip the sweltering heat of summer and the bone-chilling cold fronts in the northern part of the U.S. by spending your winters in Destin.

Here, the average winter temperatures range between the upper 40’s and low 60’s.

Things To Do In Destin During Winter

The winter months are often the best time for golfing, hiking, biking, and fishing.

There are also great opportunities for shopping at Destin Commons or HarborWalk Village, relaxing at the beaches, and going to cultural shows and art exhibits.

Depending on what water temperature you’re used to, the emerald waters in Destin might be warmer than the summer temperatures in your northern home.

👉 Check out this blog post for more Amazing Free And Cheap Things To Do In Destin!

Crowds In Destin In Winter

The winter season in North Florida is pretty chill, with few crowds, especially compared to the typically packed beaches and water parks of summer.

The exception is during the Christmas holidays when families go on vacation.

What To Wear In Destin During The Winter Months

Although Destin has mild winters, you should be prepared for cool nights and cold snaps.

The weather can vary dramatically day by day–dropping from 30 one day and rising to 70 the next.

With this in mind, one of the best things to do is wear layers.

Start with something you’d feel comfortable wearing in warm temperatures, then add a warm layer or two for cold weather.

Festivals In Destin In The Winter

• Sandestin Gumbo Festival

• Holiday on the Harbor Festival

• Baytowne on Ice

• Winter Concert Series

• Harbor Boat Parade

2. Clearwater Beach, Florida

Another one of the best places to spend the months of December, January, and February is in Clearwater Beach.

This Florida favorite city is located in the Tampa Bay area on the Gulf of Mexico.

Great beaches, fun events, holiday festivities, and intriguing museums make Clearwater an excellent destination during the colder months.

Weather In Clearwater Beach In The Winter

With average highs in the mid-60s to low 70’s, low humidity, and plenty of wildlife, Clearwater Beach is a wonderful place to spend the winter.

Although the water might be on the chilly side for swimming, there are plenty of other things to do.

Things To Do In Clearwater Beach In The Winter

Take advantage of the colder temperatures in Central Florida during the winter and enjoy walking along the beach or taking a stroll on Pier 60, hiking out to Caladesi Island, and admiring the palm trees.

There are plenty of indoor activities, tasty restaurants, and holiday activities as well.

👉 Looking for more things to do in Clearwater Beach? Take a look at the 45 Amazing Things To Do In Destin, Florida!

Crowds In Clearwater Beach In Winter

Clearwater Beach is a relatively compact island, so it can get pretty crowded. The fact that it’s a year-round tourist destination doesn’t help.

However, there tend to be far fewer crowds on the beaches in January and February.

What To Wear In Clearwater Beach During The Winter Months

I recommend taking summer clothes to Clearwater Beach but round out your wardrobe with light jackets, light pants, and closed-toed shoes for the cooler temperatures at night.

Festivals In Clearwater Beach In The Winter

• Enchant in St. Pete’s

• Shopapalooza Festival

• Clearwater Yacht Club Annual Holiday Boat Parade

• Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

3. Naples, Florida

White sand beaches, wildlife preserves, breweries, and shopping make Naples another one of the best cities for winter in Florida.

Weather In Naples In The Winter

Naples is the ultimate Gulf Coast destination in the winter, with warm dry days in the 70s and 80s.

Sunshine, cool evenings, and delicious ocean breezes make winter the perfect time for a visit.

Things To Do In Naples In The Winter

The winter in Naples, Florida, offers the perfect opportunity to visit Everglades National Park for an airboat tour, the Naples Botanical Gardens, and Naples Pier.

👉 Check this blog post for a complete list of Awesome Things To Do In Naples & Southwest Florida!

Crowds In Naples In Winter

Naples can get busy in the winter because it has gained fame for its amazing climate.

In fact, this is the peak season for Naples.

What To Wear In Naples During The Winter Months

Naples, Florida’s weather is typically sunny and warm, with average temperatures of 68º in January.

Be sure to pack a mixture of summer-style clothes and Fall-weather jackets and sweaters for evenings and cold snaps.

Festivals In Naples In The Winter

• Naples Boat Show

• Winter Wine Festival

• Cars on Fifth

• The Chubb Classic

• Annual Naples National Art Festival

4. Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota is another perfect place to escape icy cold temperatures.

It is located north of Fort Myers and offers plenty of opportunities for arts and entertainment.

There are art galleries, museums, theaters, ballets, and operas galore.

No wonder Sarasota is known as the “Cultural Coast.”

Weather In Sarasota In The Winter

Winter in Sarasota tends to be mild, with sunny days and cool nights. The average high temperature in January (the coldest month) is 62ºF.

There is typically very low rainfall, though it’s worth checking the forecast.

Note that winter weather events such as El Niño and La Niña conditions can dramatically impact local weather.

Things To Do In Sarasota During The Winter

If you’re visiting Sarasota in the winter, checking out the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a must.

Birding is also a popular winter activity, with Red Bug Slough Reserve and Celery Fields among the top birding spots.

👉 Check out the Best Private Boat Tours In Sarasota!

Crowds In Sarasota In Winter

Sarasota can be quite crowded during the winter due to the influx of older adults fleeing snowy weather conditions in their hometowns.

January through March is the peak season.

What To Wear In Sarasota During The Winter Months

Start with a tank top, then add a sweater, a light jacket, and a scarf—this way, you’ll be prepared for any range of temperature from sunny and warm to deliciously chilly.

Festivals In Sarasota In The Winter

• Sarasota Country Music Festival

• Siesta Beach Seafood & Music Festival

• Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5k

• New Year’s Eve Block Party and Pineapple Drop

5. Panama City Beach, Florida

Panama City Beach in the Florida Panhandle is a mecca for white sand beaches, mouth-watering seafood, aquariums, shopping, and golf courses.

Weather In Panama City Beach In The Winter

The weather in Panama City Beach in the winter is mild, with average daytime lows typically sticking to 65 degrees or higher. 

Note that nighttime brings traditional cool temperatures, while coastal winds can make you feel a bit cold.

In general, Panama City Beach has fabulous weather in the winter compared to most of the contiguous United States.

Things To Do In Panama City Beach In The Winter

Sunbathe and beach comb along Panama City Beach’s 27 miles of sand, and fish off the pier.

Go shopping along Thomas Drive or in Pier Park, and check out the hiking and biking trails of St. Andrews Bay Trail.

Looking for indoor activities in Panama City Beach? Take a look at this post 👉 17 Awesome Indoor Activities In Panama City Beach!

Crowds In Panama City Beach In Winter

Unlike some Central and South Florida destinations, Panama City Beach tends to be blissfully quiet in the winter.

What To Wear In Panama City Beach During The Winter Months

Panama City Beach tends to be windy, so be sure to pack a light windbreaker and some warm layers.

You may also want a rain poncho, but leave your umbrella at home so it doesn’t get turned inside out in the gusts.

Festivals In Panama City Beach In The Winter

• Food Truck Festival

• Mardi Gras and Music Festival

• Panama City Beach Scottish Festival

How Cold Is It In Florida In The Winter?

Florida’s winters are quite mild, but the temperature range between Northern and Southern Florida can be very different.

Key West and Miami Beach are among the warmest, while places like Daytona Beach will be colder.

What Is The Coldest Month In Florida?

January is the coldest month in Florida, with average high temperatures ranging between the 60s and 70s and lows ranging from the 40s to the mid-sixties.

Temperatures tend to fluctuate, so you could have short weather one day and want to wear a sweater and scarf on another.

How Long Does Winter Last In Florida?

Winter in Florida lasts from two to three months, roughly from December until February.

Does Florida Have 4 Seasons?

Yes–Florida has all four seasons. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing in northern Florida, with rare snow snowstorms happening some years.

Final Thoughts: 5 Best Cities For Winter In Florida

And there you have it, 5 Of The Best Cities For Winter In Florida. Which one will you add to your vacation plans?

For the full list of Vacasa’s best cities for winter in Florida, check out this post. 

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